Somali 101:Language and Culture Roadmap
1 Hordhac – Introduction
This document serves as a comprehensive guide for learners of the Somali language, designed to support both self-study and community-based instruction.
It is a central hub for:
- Structured study notes organized by theme
- Essential vocabulary relevant to everyday life
- Practice exercises for speaking, listening, reading, and writing
- Cultural and generational engagement, including Somali proverbs and dialogues
- Progress tracking for students over the course of their learning
The course is intended for learners at all levels and is structured as a series of thematic units that build gradually toward fluency. It is especially suited for summer intensives or weekend community classes.
For many Somali youth raised in the West, the inability to speak their mother tongue is a source of quiet grief — a feeling of being cut off from elders, stories, and the untranslatable richness of home.
This course is not just about grammar and vocabulary. It’s about reconnection.
It’s about helping a generation recover what was almost lost — and proudly carry it forward.
Somali has been called a “nation of poets” — not because every Somali writes books, but because the oral transmission of wisdom, history, and values has traditionally been carried through language.
Learning Somali is not just learning a language — it’s entering a cultural archive.
When a generation loses its tongue, it also loses its memory.
Preserving Somali is preserving identity — not only for individuals, but for families, mosques, and communities seeking continuity.
Nin aan dhul marin, dhaayo ma leh.
He who has not traveled has no eyes.
This widely quoted proverb reminds learners that exposure expands understanding — just as travel opens the eyes, language opens doors to culture, connection, and insight.
1.1 Isbarasho – Introducing Yourself
Isbarasho wanaagsan waxay ku bilaabataa salaan iyo su’aalo aasaasi ah. Baabkani wuxuu soo bandhigayaa erayada muhiimka ah iyo weedho si aad u isticmaasho marka aad qof cusub la kulanto.
A good introduction begins with greetings and basic questions. This chapter presents essential words and phrases for you to use when meeting someone new.
You don’t need to memorize every word immediately.
Focus on 5–7 phrases that you can say confidently — like your name, where you’re from, and how you’re doing. Then build from there.
1.2 Kalmado Muhiim ah iyo Weedho – Key Vocabulary and Phrases
| English | Somali |
|---|---|
| Peace be upon you | Asalaamu Calaykum |
| And peace be upon you | Wa Calaykum Salaam |
| Good morning | Subax wanaagsan |
| How are you? | Sidee tahay / See tahay / Ii waran? |
| I am fine | Waan fiicanahay |
| Welcome | Soo dhowoow |
| What is your name? | Magacaa? |
| My name is … | Magacaygu waa … |
| Where are you from? | Xagee baad ka timid? |
| I am from Somalia | Waxaan ka imid Soomaaliya |
| Nice to meet you | Kulan wanaagsan |
| Goodbye | Nabadeey / Macsalaamo |
| Teacher | Macallin |
| Student | Arday |
| Phone | Telefoon |
| Address | Adrees / Cinwaan |
Somalis often greet with a warm tone and repeated blessings. Learning to pronounce greetings clearly and kindly is one of the most respected signs that you’re reconnecting with the culture.
1.4 Isku Day: Tarjum Weedhahan – Try Translating These Sentences
- Magacaygu waa … waxaan ka imid …
- Magacaa? (Wiil/Gabar)
- Waxaan ahay Soomaali.
- Waxaan ka imid Mareykanka.
- Xaggee baad ka timid?
- Waa maxay shaqadaada?
- Waxaan ahay macallin.
- Waan fiicanahay, mahadsanid.
- Subax wanaagsan!
- Nabadeey! Waa inoo mar kale haddii uu Ilaahay idmo!
Language is meant to be spoken. If you can, practice introducing yourself with a family member, elder, or friend — even if they answer in English.
Your confidence grows with repetition and real interaction.
1.5 Erayo u gaara Qofka – Personal Pronouns
| English | Somali |
|---|---|
| I | Aniga |
| You (m) | Adiga (Wiil) |
| You (f) | Adiga (Gabar) |
| He | Isaga |
| She | Iyada |
1.6 Qabiil iyo Qaranimo – Nationalities and Languages
| Country | Nationality | Language |
|---|---|---|
| Soomaaliya | Soomaali | Af Soomaali |
| Masar | Masri | Carabi |
| Mareykanka | Mareykan | Ingiriis |
1.7 Sheeko Dheer oo Isbarasho – Extended Introductory Dialogue
Qof 1: Iska warran!
Qof 2: Waan fiicanahay. Soo dhowoow!
Qof 1: Sidee tahay?
Qof 2: Waan fiicanahay, Alxamdulillaah. Adiguna?
Qof 1: Magacaa?
Qof 2: Magacaygu waa Axmed. Adiga?
Qof 1: Waxaan ahay Saara. Xaggee baad ka timid?
Qof 2: Waxaan ka imid Muqdisho. Adiguna?
Qof 1: Waxaan ka imid Nairobi. Shaqadaada?
Qof 2: Waxaan ahay macallin. Adiguna?
Qof 1: Waxaan ahay ardayad. Cinwaankaagu?
Qof 2: Waa 12 Jidka Muqdisho. Kaaga na?
Qof 1: Waa 8 Waddada Wajeer. Nambarkaaga telefoonka?
Qof 2: 061-2345678. Kanaga?
Qof 1: 061-8765432. Emailkaagu?
Qof 2: ahmed@gmail.com. Kaaga na?
Qof 1: sarah@email.com.
Qof 2: Aad baan ugu faraxsanahay inaan ku kulmo!
Qof 1: Aniguna sidoo kale!
1.8 Fiiro Gaar ah – Special Note
Baabkani wuxuu xoogga saarayaa fahamka isbarasho, isticmaalka erayada aasaasiga ah, iyo kalmadaha shakhsiyeed. Soo koobidda weedho iyo ficillada maalinlaha ah waxay gacan ka geysanayaan xoojinta xirfadaha luqadda.
This chapter focuses on understanding introductions, using basic vocabulary, and personal terms. Summarizing daily expressions and actions helps reinforce language skills.